Special atmosphere device



March 26, 1957 A. H. TAYLOR ET AL SPECIAL ATMOSPHERE DEVICE Filed July9, 1954 INVENTORS ALFRED H. TAYLOR LOUIS .1. MOLININI F|G. 3

ATTORNEY FIG. 5

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srncrsr ATMOSPHERE DEVICE Application July 9, i954, Serial No. 442,314

4 Claims. (Cl. 23- 259) This invention relates to the chemical handlingor treating of small quantities of special materials and is moreparticularly related to the handling, testing, analyzing, storing orreacting of materials during which a normal atmosphere would interferewith these operations, such as by reacting with, decomposing ordeteriorating the materials.

It is believed that, prior to the instant invention, the only practicalcommercial device which provided a special atmosphere for dealing withspecial materials constituted a large, heavy, metallic box-like devicewhich was quite expensive and Within which it was ditficult to operate.This box, commonly lrnown as a dry box, had a small opening forinserting materials such as calcium, heavy rubber gloves for reachinginside, and a peep hole for observing the interior of the box. Manydisadvantages exist in such a cumbersome device. It is not readilyportable within a laboratory or available for field use. There islimited visibility and poor lighting. The expense of this prior boxgreatly limits the number available for use. The rigid Walls of this boxhinder the iandling and manipulations within the box.

It is the primary object of the instant invention to eliminate many ofthe above-mentioned disadvantages by providing an improved dry box whichis relatively inexpensive, is readily portable, provides greatlyimproved visibility, permits improved manipulation within the interiorand results in other advantages hereinafter apparent.

The accomplishment of the foregoing object and others, along with thefeatures and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent fromthe following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of theinvention and the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. l is a perspective showing of the preferred rectangular form of theinvention and shows how special materials are handled within the instantdevice, as if an operators hands were in the mittens;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation view of the Fig. 1 device on a reduced scaleand shows part of the mittens partially extended out from the interiorof the device, as occurs during normal use;

Fig. 3 shows the Fig. 1 device when collapsed and readied for storage orfor moving;

Fig. 4 is a front view, on a reduced scale, of another preferred form ofthe invention in which rounded front corners are provided and in whichno attempt has been made to show the slight bulging due to inflation;and,

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the Fig. 4 embodiment with the slightbulging of the casing from the seams being shown.

By reference to the drawing, it can be seen that the preferredembodiments comprise a collapsible casing which has a transparent topsegment. The casing maintains its shape without interior or exteriorrigid structure by having confined within the casing the desiredatmosphere under pressure of a fraction of an inch of water.

States Patent W 2 An inlet and an outlet provide for such pressurizationas well as flushing the interior or chamber of the casing. Means such assleeved-mittens, are provided for handling the special materials withinthe casing. A zipper in one or more of the translucent sides constitutesthe means for inserting the chemicals and other items and a relativelylarge anchoring workboard on which the chemicals and o s a e p a Ot e eure and d ta il b described with reference to the particular figures ofthe drawing.

In Fig l, thecasing 13 is shown in the form it assumes when it containsa special atmosphere under a slight pressure, preferably 1 of an inchof-water, and when chemicals therein are being handledby means of thesleeved-mittens 15. This operation is observed through the tillclear-plastic panel 17. The large bottom panel 19, the small front panel21, the back Panel 2 3,,a1i'cl the two trapezoidal side panels 255, 27are made from a trans.- lucent plastic material which normally permitsan appreciable amount of light to pass therethrough.

A substantially gas-tight plastic zipper 31 in the right side wall 25permits the introduction of the large workboard 33 (shown bydashed-lines) on which the chemicals, weight balance, tools or otheritems are placed so that adequate protection of theplastic bottom panel19 and means for continuous level anchoring of the casing 13 areprovided. It is to be noted that the width of the workboard 33 is aboutthe same as the length of the zipper 3. The workboard can be made in twonarrower pieces in order to cover the entire bottom.

T he gas for providing a controlled atmosphere Within the casing, iflighter than air, is admitted through the upper outlet 43 at the upperleft rear corner and the gaseous discharge escapes through lower inlet41 at the lower right rear corner. Both inlet tube 41 and outlet tube'43 are made from flexible plastic tubing sealed to the respectiveplastic walls. Means for providing the desired gas or atmosphere areshown schematically at 45 and is connected by valved tubing 47 to theinlet 41. Means 45 is comprised of a valved gas outlet 48, such as fornitrogen, and treating means 49 for a gas or atmosphere, as may berequired, such as any well-known dehydrating means. Outlet 43 is shownconnected to a pressure gauge 5! which serves to indicate the slightpressure required to inflate suitably the casing. It is to be understoodthat a small continuous flow-through can be maintained if desired andthat excessive pressure is not desirable.

In Fig. 2 certain previously-mentioned features and structures are morereadily observed. The slight bulging outwardly from the seams due to thefew ounces of pressure is more readily apparent. The sleeve-mittens 15are shown partially extended outwardly from the casing clue to thepressure, as normally occurs, and thus realization of the manner inwhich the hands are easily inserted can be better appreciated. Theloose-fitting feature of the gloves is emphasized by the outline showing'how a smaller-than-average-size hand compares to the size of thegloves. It is to be appreciated that when the hand is in normal positionWithin the glove (as shown in Fig. 1) the slight pressure within thecasing will urge the thin plastic material tightly against the hand andso give improved finger touch and control. The sleeves are about 5inches in diameter. It is to be appreciated that the mitten and adjacentpart of the sleeve will be collapsed when the hand is not extended intothe mitten, but that it is still easy to initially insert the hand intothe remainder of the partially extended sleeve.

Fig. 3 serves to illustrate how the instant device is collapsed andhence easily stored or moved about. Valuable space is thus notpermanently set aside and tests and other operations can be made indifferent locations within one laboratory or many laboratories or in thefield.

The means for permitting manipulation of chemicals within the casing,such 'as'sleeved-mittens 15, are made with long sleeves or gauntlets 51extending between the mittens 53 or other hand casing and the frontpanel 21. The open ends or cuffs of the gauntlets are attachedcircumferentially at 55 to the edges of circular opemngs in the frontpanel. It is to be noted that, since the sleeved-mittens are attached toa flexible panel, the operator has a degree of freedom and easeofmanipulation which previously did not exist with the knownconventional-type of a dry box. It is also to be noted that sincethe-mittens are made of thin plastic material, and since there is apositive pressure of a few ounces Within the casing, extremelysensitive, manipulation is possible. A condition which approachesskin-touch is achieved. Furthermore, the rapid deterioration whichoccurs with conventional relatively-heavy rubber gloves is avoidedbecause the plastic material does not so react. It is also to be notedthat the mittens are not, and do not need to be, close-fitting and sothe hands can be readily inserted.

The Fig. 4 modification differs from the Fig. 1 device principally onlyin the shape of the top and bottom panels, in the use of a singlefront-sides panel 61, in the location and length of the plastic zipper63, and in the location of the attachment of the cuffs of gauntlets 65of the mittens 67. The same reference numerals have been applied to likeparts and a description of these parts will not be made. It is to benoted that the transparent top panel'71 has a front part which hasrounded front corners, as has the bottom panel 73. At the front of thecasing, a part of the front-sides panel 61 extends between these roundedfront corner parts of panels 71, 73. It is to be noted that the left andright rear side parts of panel 61 will be of increasing height in orderto provide the rear work space having a higher elevation than the frontpart. Thus, this longer, continuous panel 61 will have two inclined topside edges. In this manner, the Separate trapezoidal side panels 25, 27of the Fig. l casing are avoided. As was the case with the Fig. 1casing, the cuffs of the gauntlets are easily attached to the panel 61since they are both made of the same material and hence easily sealedtogether. It is to be noted that the gloves 67 of the Fig. 4 dry box areinclined towards each other, due to being attached at the roundedcorners, and thus the manipulation within the casing is facilitated. Itis also apparent that it is advantageous to have the longer zipper 63 atthe front in the top front edge part of the translucent panel 61 sinceinsertion of the workboard, tools and materials is facilitated. Backpanel 23 is provided with tabs 75 for hanging up the box when not inuse.

With reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 4, it is to be noted that zipper 63 ismuch longer than zipper 31 and hence a larger workboard, coveringsubstantially all of the bottom panel 73, can be used. Furthermore, thebox opens wide for the ready insertion of materials and the arrangementof work. It is apparent that the zipper is longer than the majorhorizontal dimension of the casing which is the length of panel 23 onthe front part of panel 61. Fabrication of the Fig. 4 casing isfacilitated by having the zipper horizontally disposed or parallel tothe bottom of the casing. This arrangement avoids crimping the zipper atthe corners, as might occur if the side parts of the zipper were equallyspaced from the edges of the top panel 71. It is to be understood thatthe Fig. 4 casing has all of the advantages which were mentioned inconnection with the Fig. 1 casing. Thus, the plastic mittens cling tothe operators hands due to the slight positive pressure, and the handsare readily inserted into the plastic sleeves and mittens. As was thecase with the Fig. l casing, all joints are electronically heat weldedand gas tight and are capable of withstanding at least one p. s. i. g.of pressure. The sloping top panel is made of flexible clear vinylplastic film which is .005 inch thick. All sides and the bottom are madeof frosted vinyl film .012 inch thick. The mittens and sleeves are madeof frosted vinyl film which is .005 inch thick. The sleeves are 5 inchesin diameter and the axial center thererE is about 5 inches from thebottom of the casing. The casing is about 12 inches high in front, about22 inches high in back, about 19 inches in depth and about 24 inches inwidth. A of an inch thick polyethylene workboard is preferred, althoughglass and aluminum boards could be used. It is to be understood that theFig. 1 device is made from the same material and has comparabledimensions.

The mode of utilization of both casings is believed apparent to oneskilled in the art from the foregoing description. For instance, afterplacing a sealed container of a material on the workboard, the dry boxis flushed out, usually by admitting the desired gas, such as nitrogen,at the lower level through 41 and removing the waterladen atmospherefrom a higher level through 43. The reverse procedure would be used withthe lighter gases such as helium. Thereafter, a slight pressure ismain-' tained. Inflation of the box requires a gas pressure, as measuredon gauge 50, of less than 0.1 inch of water above atmospheric pressure.The hands are easily inserted into the gloves, which cling to the handsdue to the slight positive pressure, and the desired operation, such asweighing, etc., is performed within the casing with sensitivemanipulation. Since all of the upper panels will admit light, it isapparent that the prior expensive necessity of providing internallighting is avoided. Since the gloves are attached to flexible panels,the advantage of greater maneuverability is provided. The flexibility ofthe plastic front-wall-glove combination allows unusual operator freedomin typical laboratory operations. Manipulation with the Fig. 4 casing isfurther facilitated by the fact that the sleeved-mittens are inclinedinwardly toward each other. It is to be understood that the front halfof the casing could be made so as to have a vertical semi-circular frontwall and a sloping top panel covering the front half.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the Fig. l and Fig. 4embodiments of the invention constitute improved devices for providing acontrolled or special atmosphere for chemical operations and the like.Both of these infiatable' devices include a collapsible casing whichdoes not require any rigid support structure. The transparent segmentprovides the means for observing the operations in the interior of thecasing chamber, which operations are performed by using thesleeved-mittens or other sleeve-like members. The translucent panels orside walls result in improved lighting of the interior of the casing,which preferably has a trapezoidal cross-section. Since the sleeve handcoverings are attached to a flexible wall or side section, the operatordoes not experience restraint, due to a rigid wall, on his upper arms.It is also apparent that, with the preferred degree of pressurizationand the use of thin plastic material for the sleeved members which areclosed at one end, only a major portion of the sleeve part of thesleeved members extends outside of the casing. Too much pressurizationwould result in extending these members too far outwardly. Too littlepressurization would not result in the partially-extended sleeve intowhich an operator can easily insert his hand. By regulating thepressurization, this condition of having the sleeve partially extendedso as to permit easy insertion of the hands therein results.

it will be understood that a plastic air-lock can also be provided inthe Fig. 1 dry box by sealing another small casing to casing 13 at alocation removed from the large zipper, such as in the lower rear cornerof the left panel 27, and providing two smaller zippers, one in thesmallercasing and one in panel 27. A similar arrangement can be madewith the Fig. 4 dry box. If desired, it is also possible to attachtreating means, such as a dehydrator, to the exit tube 43 so that, whenthe casing is collapsed, no undesirable atmosphere enters the casing.

It is to be understood that changes, additions, and omissions can bemade in, to and from the preferred, disclosed embodiments withoutdeparting from the invention as defined in the following claims.

We claim:

1. A portable device for providing an inflatable Work chamber containinga controlled gaseous medium and adapted for safely manipulatingmaterials, comprising a flexible, collapsible and totally enclosedhousing made of thin plastic sheets, at least one of said sheets beingtransparent, said sheets being joined at the edges thereof to provide agas-tight container, two sleeved glove-like members made of thin plasticmaterial attached respectively to the edges of two openings in saidhousing whereby a person can easily work materials within said housingwith both hands, said housing containing a gaseous medium at a pressureslightly in excess of the pressure of the surrounding atmosphere to formsaid work chamber, said gaseous medium being the sole means formaintaining said housing extended so as to form said chamber, saidgaseous medium being practically inert with respect to said plasticmaterials and to substances contained in said chamber, inlet meansassociated with said housing for inflating said housing, and outletmeans associated with said housing for exhausting the gaseous mediumwithin said housing.

2. The device according to claim 1 and further characterized in saidhousing having a front wall, a back wall opposite said front wall whichis higher than said front wall, and a top wall which is completelytransparent, and said glove-like members being attached to portions ofsaid front wall.

3. The device according to claim 1 and further characterized in saidhousing being formed with an opening for inserting materials therein,and means for closing said opening in a gas-tight manner and saidopening being closed by said means.

4. The device according to claim 3 and further characterized in thatsaid means for closing the opening in said casing comprises a zipper,and that said transparent segment constitutes the top of said housing.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,331,207 Mouneyrat Feb. 17, 1920 2,190,613 Sittler Feb. 13, 19402,243,999 Chapple June 3, 1941 2,598,532 Gibbon May 27, 1952 2,664,890Wallace Ian. 5, 1954

1. A PORTABLE DEVICE FOR PROVIDING AN INFLATABLE WORK CHAMBER CONTAININGA CONTROLLED GASEOUS MEDIUM AND ADAPTED FOR SAFELY MANIPULATINGMATERIALS, COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE, COLLAPSIBLE AND TOTALLY ENCLOSEDHOUSING MADE OF THIN PLASTIC SHEETS, AT LEAST ONE OF SAID SHEETS BEINGTRANSPARENT, SAID SHEETS BEING JOINED AT THE EDGES THEREOF TO PROVIDE AGAS-TIGHT CONTAINER, TWO SLEEVED GLOVE-LIKE MEMBERS MADE OF THIN PLASTICMATERIAL ATTACHED RESPECTIVELY TO THE EDGES OF TWO OPENINGS IN SAIDHOUSING WHEREBY A PERSON CAN EASILY WORK MATERIALS WITHIN SAID HOUSINGWITH BOTH HANDS, SAID HOUSING CONTAINING A GASEOUS MEDIUM AT A PRESSURESLIGHTLY IN EXCESS OF THE PRESSURE OF THE SURROUNDING ATMOSPHERE TO FORMSAID WORK CHAMBER, SAID GASEOUS MEDIUM BEING THE SOLE MEANS FORMAINTAINING SAID HOUSING EXTENDED SO AS TO FORM SAID CHAMBER, SAIDGASEOUS MEDIUM BEING PRACTICALLY INERT WITH RESPECT TO SAID PLASTICMATERIALS AND TO SUBSTANCES CONTAINED IN SAID CHAMBER, INLET MEANSASSOCIATED WITH SAID HOUSING FOR INFLATING SAID HOUSING, AND OUTLETMEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID HOUSING FOR EXHAUSTING THE GASEOUS MEDIUMWITHIN SAID HOUSING.